Triple H needs to sign top AEW star as a replacement for Rey Mysterio in WWE
With a top AEW star's contract with AEW reportedly expiring soon, could Triple H bring him in and build him up to be the next Rey Mysterio? This would be in case that the legendary luchador has considered retirement. The star who can possibly replace Rey could be Penta El Zero Miedo.
Both WWE and AEW have been paying attention to the free agency status of several big names in the industry. This has resulted in several stars jumping ship across the two major promotions. Seeing as the year is only halfway over, there could be a possibility for more.
Rey Mysterio is one of the big names whose issue isn't a contract expiry, but that the star is nearing a critical age for wrestlers. Some choose to compete even past 50, but most others decide to preserve their health and retire instead.
Rey Mysterio recently talked about retirement
During his appearance on INSIGHT with Chris Van Vliet, the legendary luchador talked about retirement and when this could possibly be. He brought up how at this point, he was still unsure of the timeline, and he'd just been playing it by ear. He felt he was in a good condition so he felt that he could still continue to compete.
"I don’t until it’s being brought up, and when my wife brings that up, that’s when I pause. I don’t know if I want to do it another two years, three years. I kind of listen to my body and my mindset, because my body’s been feeling great. And with all the benefits that I get from doing things like the cold plunge and the sauna," he said.
He mentioned that one thing he was taking into account was his age, as he wanted to be in a state where he could still be mobile and in a decent condition five years from now.
"Overall, my mind has to be in the right place, so that’s probably the hardest thing for me. Because sometimes the age factor comes into mind, not in the moment, but thinking ahead, like I want to be able to still move around and walk at 55 or 56. Is my body going to feel the same?" (H/T: CVV)
Penta's AEW contract is set to expire in a few months
Lucha Libre Online reported earlier this month that Penta El Zero Miedo's contract with AEW is set to expire around August and September this year. He has been with the promotion since their debut.
It was also reported that WWE has expressed their interest in him. It was not reported whether the Tony Khan-led promotion will re-sign him, so this could lead to a negotiation battle in the coming months.
Penta is unhappy with some current arrangements within the promotion
Penta, aside from being signed to AEW, is also affiliated with Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide.
Currently, AEW is in Forbidden Door season, welcoming stars from NJPW, CMLL, and STARDOM to the company. Despite being fellow luchador promotions, AAA and CMLL stars have not been allowed to compete in the same match, due to disputes between the promotions.
According to Dave Meltzer, this made the luchador unhappy, but it seems that a workaround for the issue has been found.
It was also reported that Penta was willing to buy the rights to his name. This does not indicate a move just yet, but that he was exploring his options for the near future. It remains to be seen where he'll sign with once his current contract is up.